The Wilson RF 01 and Wilson Blade 98 are two of Wilson’s most popular rackets among intermediate to advanced players who value precision, control, and feel.
Wilson developed the RF 01 in partnership with Roger Federer while the Blade 98 is endorsed by several different top ATP/WTA players including Stefanos Tsitsipas, Aryna Sabalenka, and Emma Raducanu.
In this comparison, I’ll look closely at the key specs and design differences of both rackets to help you decide which one best fits your playing style.
Wilson RF 01 vs Blade 98 Tennis Rackets – Key Differences
The RF 01 delivers a traditional, stable feel favored by attacking players who like to drive through the ball, while the Blade 98 provides a smoother, more connected response for those who value comfort and control.
For the below racket specs comparison, I have used the V9 of the Blade 98 and the V1 of the RF 01.
Racket Specs Comparison Table
| Specs: | RF 01 | Blade 98 |
|---|---|---|
| Version: | V1 | V9 |
| Design: |  |  |
| Head Size: | 98in | 98in |
| Length: | 27in | 27in |
| Strung Weight: | 337g (11.9oz) | 323g (11.4oz) |
| Swingweight: | 331 | 324 |
| Balance: | 6 Pts HL | 4 pts HL |
| Stiffness: | 67 | 62 |
| Power: | Low | Low |
| Beam Width: | 23.2mm / 23mm / 22mm | 21 mm |
| Composition: | Carbon +Carbon Braid | Graphite |
| Colors: | Black | Green |
| String Pattern: | 16 by 19 | 16 by 19 |
| Grip Type: | Leather Grip | Wilson Pro Performance |
Length and Head Size
Both rackets have a standard length of 27 inches and a 98 square-inch head size, making them versatile options for players seeking a balance between reach and maneuverability.
This combination of racket length and head size makes both rackets suitable for a wide range of playing styles, from aggressive baseline play to all-court strategies.
Balance
The RF 01 (6 pts HL) is more head light than the Blade 98 (4 pts HL) so it will favor players with a one handed backhand, as generally speaking a more head-lighted tennis racket will offer more maneuverability and control.
Strung and Swing Weight
The RF 01 is heavier in terms of swing and strung weight when compared with the Blade 98, with a heavier tennis racket offering more increased power, stability, and plow-through.
Stiffness Rating
The Blade 98 (62) has a lower stiffness rating than the RF 01 (67), but I would not consider either racket to be particularly arm-friendly or comfortable to play with.
Beam Width
Both rackets have relatively thin beam widths (23.2mm / 23mm / 22mm vs 21mm) so they will both offer enhanced control, feel, and flexibility.
Power
Both of these tennis rackets are low-powered but the RF 01 would provide slightly more power as it has a thicker beam width and a heavier strung/swing weight.
However, you will be better off going with the Babolat Pure Drive or the Wilson Clash 100 if you are looking for a frame that helps you generate power.
String Pattern
Both of these tennis rackets have a 16 x 19 string pattern so they will be good for players who are looking for a frame that offers good spin generation.
Design
I am not a big fan of the design of the V9 and V8 versions of the Blade 98 as I much preferred the design of the V7 Blades.
In my opinion, the RF 01 boasts a more refined design and is visually more appealing.
Where to buy?
Both of these frames are available to buy on online shops such as Tennis Warehouse, and Tennis-Point.
Which Racket Should You Choose?
If you are a beginner to intermediate tennis player then I would not recommend either of these two tennis rackets as they are too low-powered, with relatively small sweet spots.
If you are more of an advanced tennis player then these rackets will be more suited to you as they offer tons of control and decent amounts of spin.
In terms of different playing styles, the RF 01 and Blade 98 will suit players with an all-court game.
Both the Wilson RF 01 and Blade 98 deliver exceptional control and precision, making them ideal for experienced players who generate their own power.
- Choose the RF 01 if you prefer a heavier, more stable frame with classic plow-through and a solid feel on volleys and serves.
- Choose the Blade 98 if you want a slightly lighter, more flexible frame that offers greater feel and comfort from the baseline.
If you’re a competitive all-court player, the RF 01’s extra weight and stability may give you the edge. But for modern baseliners and those with two-handed backhands, the Blade 98 remains one of the most versatile control frames on the market.